[have2ride]

Since it got colder outside I drive with my A/C off. What I noticed:

I was able to get around 29 city/35 MPG highway only driving (A/C off).

I just had my first oil change at 5k miles, I tried to get better oil and filter, so I bought Pennzoil Ultra Premium synthetic 0w-20 and TRD oil filter. I had my oil change about a week ago (done by local Toyota dealer) and right away my MPG dropped to around 27 city/32 highway (A/C off). Those are still decent numbers, the engine feels smooth after the oil change, but MPG drop does not make me happy. Service guy at the dealership said they use and recommend only Mobil 1 synthetic, so I may go with their oil next time. Considering the volume of my driving, I will need my 10k oil change in just a few months.

 

[davect01]

Since it got colder outside I drive with my A/C off. What I noticed:

I was able to get around 29 city/35 MPG highway only driving (A/C off).

I just had my first oil change at 5k miles, I tried to get better oil and filter, so I bought Pennzoil Ultra Premium synthetic 0w-20 and TRD oil filter. I had my oil change about a week ago (done by local Toyota dealer) and right away my MPG dropped to around 27 city/32 highway (A/C off). Those are still decent numbers, the engine feels smooth after the oil change, but MPG drop does not make me happy. Service guy at the dealership said they use and recommend only Mobil 1 synthetic, so I may go with their oil next time. Considering the volume of my driving, I will need my 10k oil change in just a few months.

Manual says only to change the oil after 10,000 miles.

As to the change, don't freak out after one week. Mine will fluctuate a bit depending on getting stuck at long lights, my driving etc, etc.

 

[have2ride]

Manual says only to change the oil after 10,000 miles.

As to the change, don't freak out after one week. Mine will fluctuate a bit depending on getting stuck at long lights, my driving etc, etc.

Yes, service guy at the dealership also insisted I should not change it, but manual also recommends 5k oil change if you are driving in harsh conditions. Since I drive a lot (I expect 20k miles per year), I would rather change my oil more often.

As far as the mileage goes I am accurate, I check it almost daily. But it is not a big deal. I wrote it here as a general feedback.

 

[davect01]

Yes, service guy at the dealership also insisted I should not change it, but manual also recommends 5k oil change if you are driving in harsh conditions. Since I drive a lot (I expect 20k miles per year), I would rather change my oil more often.

As far as the mileage goes I am accurate, I check it almost daily. But it is not a big deal. I wrote it here as a general feedback.

Harsh conditions using entail heavy towing, dusty environments, constantly high revving etc not just high milage.

If it makes you happy, change it early.

 

[jonathan14]

i always get 42+ mpg on highway and i average 35.5 since i bought my car

 

[have2ride]

i always get 42+ mpg on highway and i average 35.5 since i bought my car

Is your iM manual or CVT?

 

[jonathan14]

manual, @65 mph

 

[nics]

I get about 41 mpg hwy and about 430 miles in one full tank. This mileage is average since last refuel.

Oh and I already drove 20K miles since March 2016

 

[have2ride]

I get about 41 mpg hwy and about 430 miles in one full tank. This mileage is average since last refuel.

Oh and I already drove 20K miles since March 2016

That's amazing! You probably upshift super early. I get 35 mph highway if I am lucky. My highest number was 37 mpg highway. But then I drive in a super congested DC area and even highway driving often involves stop and go or slowing/speeding traffic.

Did anyone notice any difference when using premium fuel vs regular? I noticed a slightly better acceleration, but as far as economy goes it is hard to say. Price difference is huge though.

 

[have2ride]

I will respond to my own question. I just tried using premium gas, filled full tank. The car feels better, acceleration is more smooth and steady. I got +2 MPG on the trip computer.

 

[davect01]

I will respond to my own question. I just tried using premium gas, filled full tank. The car feels better, acceleration is more smooth and steady. I got +2 MPG on the trip computer.

Unless you have done some significant modifications to the internals of the engine, stick with the prescribed octane. Higher octane does not mean higher performance.

Automotive Tools Tips Advice - Kelley Blue Book

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0210-paying-premium-high-octane-gasoline

 

[have2ride]

Unless you have done some significant modifications to the internals of the engine, stick with the prescribed octane. Higher octane does not mean higher performance.

Automotive Tools Tips Advice - Kelley Blue Book

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0210-paying-premium-high-octane-gasoline

Ya, I read all that stuff a long time ago. But the car "does" feel better when using premium. Not significantly better since this car is not supposed to be used with premium fuel. When I had my previous Acura RDX or TSX, both of them "recommended" premium, but it was pretty much a must, since any low-grade gas would reduce the performance and kill fuel economy.

I checked our owner's manual. It states "use gasoline grade 87 or higher". Therefore, use of premium gas is allowed and engine is not going to be damaged.

According to KBB from that link you posted:
"In addition, premium gasoline has some other selling points. Most premium gasolines have a higher-quality additive package put in at the refinery. The actual additives in a particular brand of gasoline are generally not disclosed by refiners. But usually they include detergents and other solvents that keep the carburetor and rest of the fuel system clean."

Therefore, if you have the money use premium.

 

[nics]

That's amazing! You probably upshift super early. I get 35 mph highway if I am lucky. My highest number was 37 mpg highway. But then I drive in a super congested DC area and even highway driving often involves stop and go or slowing/speeding traffic.

Did anyone notice any difference when using premium fuel vs regular? I noticed a slightly better acceleration, but as far as economy goes it is hard to say. Price difference is huge though.

Yes, I upshift early but not lugging the engine. Shift points between 2-2.5k rpm. I'm on 6th gear at 40 mph but that 41 mpg was highway miles, on cruise control at 72 mph.

 

[luaciego]

i know this is a dumb question i have a scion im but i dont have the mpg on my car dash im i wron?

 

[davect01]

i know this is a dumb question i have a scion im but i dont have the mpg on my car dash im i wron?

It should be on the middle display

 

[SuperchargedMR2]

Ya, I read all that stuff a long time ago. But the car "does" feel better when using premium. Not significantly better since this car is not supposed to be used with premium fuel. When I had my previous Acura RDX or TSX, both of them "recommended" premium, but it was pretty much a must, since any low-grade gas would reduce the performance and kill fuel economy.

I checked our owner's manual. It states "use gasoline grade 87 or higher". Therefore, use of premium gas is allowed and engine is not going to be damaged.

According to KBB from that link you posted:
"In addition, premium gasoline has some other selling points. Most premium gasolines have a higher-quality additive package put in at the refinery. The actual additives in a particular brand of gasoline are generally not disclosed by refiners. But usually they include detergents and other solvents that keep the carburetor and rest of the fuel system clean."

Therefore, if you have the money use premium.

Most grades have the same additive packages from Top Tier gasolines and even if they don't the regular grade has many more times the level needed. Premium grade gasoline is for high performance on forced induction engines and is used to prevent pre-detonation. There have been many tests done that show it doesn't really help with MPG and even f it did a little bit the extra cost of the gas isn't worth it.

I only use premium on my 2009 Corolla S Turbo and 89 Supercharged MR2 as both are FI. What you "feel" is a placebo effect.

The best MPG that I got was 55.6 MPG over a 50 mile range. This was driving at a steady speed through a NP at about 50 MPH with A/C off. I've noticed that speed does impact MPG. Over 60 MPH the MPG drops quicker as it has been shown to do on all cars. If you keep the speed down and drive it smoothly it will get great MPG. If you do a lot of short trips and drive in the city the MPG will be a lot less.


It was even higher at 37 miles traveled!

 

[george__]

Jeez how do you guys get past 30 mpg!?

I'm at 7.6L/100KM = 31 mpg = ~620 km is the best I can do before the computer estimator says I have like 5 km left with the empty light on.

Mixed driving and winter weather so heat is on.

Driving on the highway I am going 120 km/h and in the city 60-70 km/h..

Give me tips!!

 

[SuperchargedMR2]

I'm getting 30 mpg with mixed driving driving at 120-130 km/h (so rpm is 2500 range)..

I shift around 2500 rpm...

Give me tips on how to get 35+ mpg

Typically you will get lower MPG in the winter due to colder temps and winter gas. It takes the engine longer to warm up too. Where do you live? You don't have it listed in your information. How far do you drive normally? How much city vs highway? Take it out on a longer why drive at 60 mph and see what you get. I did that when I bought my 2009 Corolla S. I found a long 10 mile flat stretch of why and tested it with the CC on at 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 mph. I did each direction and averaged the results. It was amazing to see the results that speed has on MPG. I haven't done it with my 17 iM but I expect similar results since the EPA rating were the same.

 

[george__]

^
Lol I did the conversion

120 km/h = 75 mph

 

[davect01]

Jeez how do you guys get past 30 mpg!?

I'm at 7.6L/100KM = 31 mpg = ~620 km is the best I can do before the computer estimator says I have like 5 km left with the empty light on.

Mixed driving and winter weather so heat is on.

Driving on the highway I am going 120 km/h and in the city 60-70 km/h..

Give me tips!!

Typically you will get lower MPG in the winter due to colder temps and winter gas. It takes the engine longer to warm up too. Where do you live? You don't have it listed in your information. How far do you drive normally? How much city vs highway? Take it out on a longer why drive at 60 mph and see what you get. I did that when I bought my 2009 Corolla S. I found a long 10 mile flat stretch of why and tested it with the CC on at 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 mph. I did each direction and averaged the results. It was amazing to see the results that speed has on MPG. I haven't done it with my 17 iM but I expect similar results since the EPA rating were the same.

^
Lol I did the conversion

120 km/h = 75 mph

All correct. Driving conditions, driver tendencies, temperature, etc all make an impact.

I average 33-34 MPG in the winter/31-32 MPG in the summer. My weekly drive is 60/40 Freeway/City.

I've hit 48 on a nice long straight drive and had as low as 26 when stuck on city streets.